Also known as the Isla Bonita, the island of La Palma in the last year has been very popular due to the eruption of the impressive volcano Cumbre Vieja. But this is not the only reason why this island is known. Its impressive volcanic landscapes, fused by reddish, black and ochre colors along with lava fields, make it one of the best places in the world for sightseeing. Also, did you know that one of the Canary Islands Marine Reserves is located here? Thais makes it not only a place with rich landscapes, but also submarines and that leads to a rich marine life.

Therefore, one of the most striking activities on this island is undoubtedly the whale and dolphin watching and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest, so keep reading because we have made you the best guide to enjoy this activity:

Where to see dolphins and whales in La Palma?

The time has now come to embark on the adventure of sailing the Atlantic to admire the show of whales and marine mammals that inhabit the island and the first thing you think is, from where do the boat trips leave to see cetaceans? Well, in order to start this experience, you must go to the Port of Tazacorte. You can find all the companies that offer this service in this beautiful and colorful municipality. They feature many boats, from huge catamarans with underwater viewing platforms to perfect sailboats for a more intimate excursion.

From here, you will go out to sail with a marine biologist, who will be in charge of teaching you everything you need to know about the animals you will see during the tour. As it is a privileged location, the chances of seeing dolphins are very high and, in the case that for any reasons this becomes difficult, don’t worry! The boats carry a marine hydrophone to listen to the sounds of the ocean and thus be able to approach the cetaceans.

During the activity, you will not only have the opportunity to sail the waters of the Atlantic while you watch nature’s show very close to you, but you can also get to know magical and very emblematic places of this island such as the Bonita Cave, the Poris de Candelaria and, after the events of this last year, the solidified lava flows of the Cumbre Vieja volcano! Certainly, a unique experience.

What cetaceans do you see in La Palma?

As we have already mentioned, there are thousands of marine species here. It is a great place for this type of activities and therefore, there is a 95% chance to see these beautiful animals with certainty. During the boat ride, you will have the opportunity to see common, bottlenose and even rough tooth dolphins. But that’s not all, you will see orcas, sperm whales and tropical pilot whales among the 27 other types of cetaceans that inhabit the Atlantic waters of this island.

But that won’t be everything you’ll see! If you opt for a cruise-style boat tour, you should know that inside this one they have enabled an area with underwater vision, so you can observe the different marine species that sail along with you, such as octopuses, sea breams, morays, seahorses and even sharks!

Who can go on a dolphin tour?

Everyone! This activity is suitable for anyone who enjoys the sea, sailing and marine animals. We can assure you that the little ones in the house love this type of boat rides and are the ones who enjoy it the most. Depending on the dolphin tour you have chosen, there will be a minimum age or another. The most common thing is that the large catamarans that offer these services in Tazacorte give the opportunity to get on the boat to anyone who wants to participate, since they also have facilities for people with reduced mobility. From babies to the oldest, it is an experience where everyone is welcome.

When is the best time to go on a cetacean boat tour in La Palma?

We have good news for you! And this wonderful island has good weather throughout the year, so you will not have any problem to carry out this activity in any season. In addition, it is important to mention that many species of the area live here throughout the year so we are sure that you will not have problems to see them and navigate alongside them.